How many talented authors, every day, who aren't JK Rowling, after trying endlessley to get a publishing house to even view their manuscripts, revert to the "Self Publishing Houses"?

Are we filled with false hopes, whilst they add up the dollars they will make? Do we think for a few fleeting moments that what we have to share in the world will make a difference, only to be unceremoniously shot down, when it comes to trying to market the book.

Do any of these self publishing houses, no matter what country you reside in, offer extra marketing tools, but for an extra cost?

Have many of the questions I have already outlined, even without mentioning the kicker, are are definite yes?

You proceed with the self publishing, all supposing that you get a good deal on the construction of the book, the illustrations are beautiful, the story is great, the hype even greater, to find that when you knock yourself out trying to market your product, your ears are greeted with these words " Oh we commend you on your efforts, but it's not something we can endorse, being self published" Have you tried the publishing houses?

Do you feel like you just went around in a big circle?

I am sure there are many out there besides myself, that have been sidelined because what you wrote just wasn't the sort of thing that publishing houses needed to market. Not sinsister enough, not sordid enough, not smutty enough!

Well thats how the world rolls, so where does one go from the place of rejection, knowing that you have just as much ability as any other writer. Do you offer your books all printed up, with all its pretty colour illustrations to all your friends and family? Give all your copies away?, Cut your losses, fall into writers depression, and vow never to bother again?

Or do you pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and find something else to write about, something that will definately draw attention, in todays market?

I know I am no different to any other who has felt the stigma of Self publication, and I wont be the last. These self publishing houses have so flooded the market, there is no incentive left for budding authors to try harder, even years, to get that one book out, that will impress.

They are in effect, destroying the hopes and dreams of writers everywhere, whilst laughing all the way to the bank. They know your never going to be a big shot in the literary world, but instead of telling you the truth, they seduce!

We must live and learn, from the experiences, and dig deep within us, to find that story, that book, that will pique curiosity, put the disappointment down to experience, and move on.

Move on..Never again to be afflicted with what I can only describe as a writers greatest enemy..

From personal experience, 99.9% fit neatly into this category: However...

One publishing house in a million was the exception to that rule, and een though they could not offer the fame and glory we all seek :) they did offer a good honest publication, with a well produced book. The cost kept to an affordable rate with only what the writer wishes to have put to print, and up front no hidden agenda's monetary wise.

Publishme, here in my own backyard, in NZ offered me that break, for which I will always be eternally grateful. In the process met the multi-talented illustrator, Alan Greenhead, so all in all, a wonderful experience at the end of the day.

Be aware though, not every cloud has that silver lining, some are just a thunderclap away from an almighty downpour!!

Ps The one kindness offered to me after all was said and done, was a small spot in the publishing house internal letter. Oh well, better than a poke in the eye with a fork stick :)

I haven't tried to publish yet. Eileen has gone the self publish route and does have a potential lead with an agent. Unless you write vampire books you just have to wait for lightning to strike. Patrick

As always, Chérie writes well and sensitively. She deserves to be published, not alone for her own sake but for our enjoyment - for our pleasure in what she has to say and how well she says it. The tyranny of the self-styled elite publishers should be consigned to the waste-disposal basket.